New Scottish singer Kerri Watt is gearing up to release her debut single and EP next month, and we got some exclusive chat from the future star about her heading into the music industry, signing her record deal and more.
Kerri WattTell us about your passion for music, when did it start, and have you always wanted to perform?
My love for music came about at a very young age. My parents were huge Michael Jackson fans and used to put the VHS of his 'Bad' tour on in my room when I was a toddler. He was my biggest inspiration growing up. I dreamt of performing on big stages to thousands of people like he did. As I got older, I started discovering more music for myself. Britney and Madonna were my heroes and as time went on I discovered The Rolling Stones and Queen. I've spent years learning about all different styles and genres of music and I don't think an hour or my life goes by where I'm not listening to something. I even fall asleep with music playing and my wake up alarm is "Sympathy For The Devil" by the Stones.
Tell us about how you got signed. Was it tough chasing your dream and getting to this point in your career?
I feel very fortunate to be involved with Gary Powell and his record label "25 Hour Convenience Store." He was invited down to a couple of my gigs by my manager and gave me some great advice before signing me. He's passionate about music and emerging talent and I'm excited to be a part of this new venture with him and the other acts on the label. It's always going to be tough chasing a huge dream because there's so much uncertainty and there's the people who think you're just a dreamer. But for me, every day is an adventure, and no matter how many hours i put in, it never feels like work because I'm so passionate about it. Every day i meet incredible new people who inspire me to work harder and keep believing in what I'm doing.
What other current artists of the moment do you rate?
I'm loving an Irish guy called Hozier right now. His sound is totally unique and his lyrics are incredible. I'm also a big Katy Perry fan. Her music is fun, her live performances are high energy and she really engages with her audience and fan base. I also haven't stopped singing Clean Bandits 'Rather Be' all summer.
Tell us a little about your debut EP.
My debut EP is a collection of some of the music I've been working on over the last couple of years. It shows a couple of different sides of my writing style and all the songs are very honest. The title track "Who's Lovin' Me Now?" was written at the beginning of 2014 when I moved back down to London. It talks about being a young person in todays society and going through short term relationships. When I arrived in London, I was suddenly all on my own in a big city. I'm hoping it's a song people should be able to relate to (aswell as be able to dance along to!) But the EP is just an insight into what else I have in store!
Finally what's next for you? Where do you see yourself this time next year?
All the focus has been on the debut EP so I'm hoping that people engage with it and want to hear more. If that happens, then I've got a second single and EP ready to share in the new year. This time next year, I'd love to have played a summer full of festivals and released my first album.
Debut EP 'Who's Lovin' Me Now' is released September 29.